TikTok has announced its intention to challenge a newly enacted US law in court, labeling it as “unconstitutional.” The law, signed by President Biden, gives TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, nine months to divest the app, failing which it could face a ban in the United States.
Expressing confidence in their legal stance, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stated, “We are confident and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts.” He emphasized that both the facts and the Constitution were on TikTok’s side, reassuring users that the platform would continue its fight against the legislation.
In a video posted on the platform, Chew criticized the law, calling it a ban on TikTok and on the voices of its users. He urged people to share stories of how TikTok had positively impacted their lives, rallying support against the legislation.
TikTok, in a separate statement, asserted that it believed “the facts and the law” were “clearly” in its favor. The company emphasized its substantial investments in safeguarding US data and maintaining the platform’s independence from external influence.
The law, passed as part of a broader package including military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, received significant bipartisan support in Congress, with 79 Senators voting in favor and 18 against.
Senator Marco Rubio, a key proponent of the legislation, praised the move, stating, “For years we’ve allowed the Chinese Communist Party to control one of the most popular apps in America… that was dangerously short-sighted.”
However, legal experts caution that the law faces significant hurdles and could take years to fully implement. Any legal challenges, likely to reach the Supreme Court, would further delay the process.
The legislation’s impact on freedom of speech and expression, particularly among young Americans who form a significant portion of TikTok’s user base, also raises concerns. Jennifer Huddleston from the Cato Institute highlights the regulatory scrutiny and complexities surrounding a potential sale of TikTok, questioning the feasibility and implications of such a move.
Meanwhile, TikTok users in the US are grappling with uncertainty over the platform’s future, with many fearing a ban. Brooke Erin Duffy, an associate professor at Cornell University, notes the heightened uncertainty among content creators, influencers, and small business owners.
As TikTok prepares for a legal battle against the US government, the future of the popular social media platform in the United States remains uncertain, with potential implications for millions of users and businesses reliant on its services.